AFRICA HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Pioneering HIV Remission Trial in South Africa Shows Promise for Drug-Free Control

2 months ago

• A groundbreaking Phase IIa clinical trial in South Africa has demonstrated that a combination of broadly neutralizing antibodies and immune stimulants may enable some HIV patients to control the virus without daily antiretroviral therapy. • Led by Professor Thumbi Ndung'u at the Africa Health Research Institute, the study enrolled 20 South African women who received vesatolimod and two potent antibodies (VRC07-523LS and CAP256V2LS), with one participant maintaining viral control for 2.5 years after stopping treatment. • The trial represents the first HIV remission study conducted on African soil, addressing a critical need in KwaZulu-Natal where HIV prevalence reaches nearly 60% among women aged 25-44, and demonstrating that complex HIV cure research can succeed in resource-limited settings.

HIV Cure Trial in South Africa Targets Women with Early ARV Intervention

6 months ago

• A groundbreaking HIV cure trial is underway in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, focusing on young women recently infected with HIV. • The trial involves immediate antiretroviral (ARV) treatment post-infection, followed by immune-boosting interventions to eliminate the virus and stimulate dormant immune cells. • Researchers aim to achieve long-term viral control without continuous ARV use, potentially marking a significant advancement toward an HIV cure. • The study addresses the disproportionate impact of HIV on young women in Africa, contributing to global efforts to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030.

BEAT Tuberculosis Trial Includes Pregnant Women, Advancing TB Treatment

7 months ago

• The BEAT Tuberculosis trial in South Africa included pregnant women with drug-resistant TB, a group typically excluded from such studies, marking a significant step forward. • The trial's findings support the use of delamanid-containing regimens in pregnant women with drug-resistant TB, providing valuable data for clinicians. • Results showed nine out of ten pregnant women in the delamanid arm were successfully treated, with healthy babies born, suggesting positive outcomes for both mothers and infants. • This inclusion addresses a critical gap in evidence-based treatment guidelines for pregnant women with TB, who often face increased risks and limited treatment options.